All schools and child care centres will close for a week as from Friday, the Prime Minister said today.
All mass activities will also be stopped as from today, Abela said. It is irresponsible for the private sector to go against what the government suggested with regard to mass activities, PM said.
Addressing the media, Abela said that primary, secondary, post-secondary and tertiary education classes will be stopped betwen Friday and the following Friday, and a decision on what to do after that will be taken next week.
Asked about the MEA’s suggestion for a shutdown between 19 March and 24 March, Abela said that so far there is no need for a blanket shutdown, but nothing precludes private companies from taking a decision to close business for a short period of time.
He said these are uncomfortable decisions that need to be taken in the circumstances. Abela added that all political activities are also to be called off.
He said that the Archbishop will be announcing what will happen with regard to Masses.
In cooperation with the Malta Football Association, premier league matches will be played behind closed doors, at least for the coming weekend.
Health Minister Chris Fearne said that day care centres for the elderly will also be closed.
The 111 helpline will be extended from 10 to 50 operators, Fearne said.
Education Minister Owen Bonnici said that Malta will be one of eight countries which has so far closed its schools on a national level.
He said the number of absentees in schools had grown to abnormal levels in the past days.